BREAKING: Lawmakers In The Gambia Vote To Lift Ban On Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

Lawmakers took the first major step to reverse the ban on the barbaric practice. Advocates for the ban have three months to convince them to change their minds, but many expect the ban to be lifted.

Lawmakers in the West African nation of The Gambia have taken the first significant step to repeal a ban on female genital mutilation (also known as FGM and female genital cutting). 

42 out of 47 of the overwhelmingly male majority National Assembly voted to repeal the ban. 

If entirely passed, it would make the Gambia the first nation to repeal a ban on the horrific and cruel practice that over twenty countries have banned in the past two decades. 

The bill will now face three months of consultations in The Gambia's unicameral parliament, which is a relief to advocates who hope to have more time to convince the government to change its mind. 

Still, many people expect the ban to be passed fully. 

Almameh Gibba, the Gambian lawmaker who introduced the bill to reverse the ban on female genital mutilation

"The bill seeks to uphold religious loyalty and safeguard cultural norms and values," said Almameh Gibba, a member of The Gambia's Parliament who introduced the bill. 

"The use of a ban on female circumcision is direct violation of the citizens' rights to practise their culture and religion," he added.

Gibba's statements are filled with lies. 

Supporters of FGM have often condemned those who refer to this practice as "mutilation" or "cutting," saying it demonizes those who are engaging in a religious and cultural practice. They prefer, instead, to call it circumcision, which is, quite frankly, a nonsensical and false way to describe the practice. 

A majority of Islamic scholars say that FGM is not required, and some have condemned the practice. It is not mentioned in the Koran. 

But it's worth noting that the push to reverse the ban has come from influential Imam Abdoulie Fatty. His incendiary and lie-filled rhetoric has radicalized many men in The Gambia, according to Gambian women advocating for the ban to remain in place. 

The Gambia passed a ban on FGM in 2015, but it wasn't enforced until last year. Even then, it was barely enforced, with just three people facing heavy fines. Since FGM is often inflicted upon girls and women by their family members, cases in most countries that ban FGM are not reported to authorities. 

Countries with bans on FGM include Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, and Egypt. 

FGM includes several different practices, but the main one involves the removal of external female genitalia, including the clitoris and labia minora. It is often conducted in unsanitary conditions (sometimes with razor blades), has no medical benefit, and has devastating long-term impacts. 

FGM has a devastating impact on girls and women. Immediate risks include severe pain, excessive bleeding, tissue swelling, and death. 

Long-term complications include painful urination, urinary tract infections, scar tissue, keloid formation, and an increased risk of childbirth complications. 

FGM, of course, has a massive impact on sexual health, including a significant decrease or elimination of sexual satisfaction and painful sexual intercourse.

Many girls and women experience symptoms associated with PTSD from the barbaric practice, which includes flashbacks and nightmares. 

Many girls and women face severe depression and anxiety from FGB, particularly since it's often performed on them by relatives. 

A health survey conducted in 2019-2020 revealed that 73 percent of women in The Gambia between the ages of 15-49 had been subjected to genital mutilation/cutting. 

Despite the likelihood that the ban will be reserved, advocates against FGM are vowing not to give up. 

Fatou Baldeh, one of the most well-known and outspoken women's rights advocates, said, "As Gambian men continue to gamble with women bodies and use their bodies as a pawn for political gain, women continue to be resilient, steadfast and focus. We will fight to the end to ensure that girls live free from FGM." 

This is a developing story; check back for updates. 

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